1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

Crafting Tradition
Do-It-Together Projects that Make Connections
Twisted Apple Trees
Tzedakah Can
Here’s a super simple and very artsy
Rosh Hashanah or Tu B’Shevat tree
project to enjoy with young kids.
The great thing about this craft is
that the trees don’t need to look
perfect. Though this supply list calls
for construction paper, tissue paper
is another great idea for a more
abstract look.
Tzedakah, or charity, is collected and
given by Jewish people throughout the
year. Make the collection process more
exciting by giving the can a little pop
of color!
You’ll need:
• Two paper lunch bags
• Red paper
• Glue
• Scissors
How to:
On one bag,
cut ¾" strips
vertically from
the opening
down about half
way. Open the bag
so the bottom serves
as a base. Next, twist the
whole mid-section of the
bag for the trunk and then
twist together three strips to
form the branches. Next cut
red leaves or apples out of the
paper. Glue to the branches, and
admire your festive creation!
What’s New with
You?
You’ll need:
• Oatmeal canister, cocoa box or
coffee can with lid — emptied
and cleaned out
• Scissors
• Colored paper
• Double-sided tape
• Markers, crayons, stickers,
etc. for decorating
How to:
Cut a slit in the top of the plastic
lid (supervise children with this
part!) large enough for quarters to
fit through. Next, cut a piece
of paper that will fit
around the canister.
Decorate it with
markers, crayons,
stickers, etc.
using doublesided tape to
attach the paper
to the canister.
Place the lid on top
and start saving your
pennies for tzedakah!
What innovative family education programs
are taking place within your doorposts and
beyond your gates? Send us your success
stories, and we’ll publish as many as possible
in future issues of Doorposts.
Fax or email your success stories
to Joan Wolchansky.
fax: 314-432-6150
email: [email protected]
Exploring Judaism through the Arts (continued from inside story)
entire Jewish calendar. We transferred
this to the table mosaic, which we’re still
working to complete.”
“It was a very rich study,” he says.
Music and Drama with Meaning
For UH 8th- through 10th-grade
families participating in “Torah Alive,”
the artistic focus was on Jewish and
Israeli music, song and dance.
The temple’s educators looked at
ways that teen students could experience
song and dance in an interactive and
meaningful way with their parents. This
was a way for them to experience how the
performing arts are used to share different
experiences, emotions and messages.
A take-home CD of popular Israeli
songs was created for teens, some more
familiar and some with clear political and
social themes. Several links to sites with
translations of songs were included, as
well as information on the artists. One
additional medium used to connect with
teen families was a “Synaplex Shabbat.”
On these occasions, congregants had an
opportunity to sing along to some of the
CD songs with an Israeli song-leader, to
enjoy Israeli food, practice Krav Maga
and see an Israeli film. The excellent mix
of intergenerational activities appealed
to both older students and their parents.
Similarly, at the completion of its
“Sensing Judaism” project, Bais Abraham
held a “Kabbalat Shabbat” filled with
music and dancing. On Shabbat morning
the usual sermon was replaced by a
dramatic performance focusing on the
role of freedom in the exodus experience.
The Good Book
In October, Shaare Zedek
began a storytelling program called
“Kidrash” for elementary aged kids,
according to Hazzan Joanna Dulkin. The
new Shabbat morning program was the
recipient of a Crown Grant, and will be
a monthly Shabbat experience concurrent
with the Shabbat morning sanctuary service
and Tot Shabbat, for early elementary age
(K-3) children and families.
“Kidrash is designed for the growing
number of families who are aging out of
both our Rockin’ Tot Shabbat services and
the PJ Library program,” says Dulkin. “Our
SZ families have become accustomed to
a lively and musical Shabbat service,
along with the fabulous books sent to
them each month by PJ Library. Both
have provided a strong foundation for a
positive Jewish identity, and Kidrash is the
logical extension. It incorporates pieces of
the service with exposure to Torah stories
and midrashim, giving time for discussion,
reflection and connection.”
At Kidrash, families hear stories from
the Torah read by volunteers and told
by professional storytellers followed by
discussion. After each session of Kidrash,
families take home discussion questions
designed to spark a conversation.
“We hope to familiarize and deepen
families’ connection with Torah stories,
and to develop a comfort in talking about
these stories with their peers. Kidrash
also aims to introduce families to the
interpretive process, empowering them to
create their own stories and insights based
on the stories presented,” Dulkin says.
After each storytelling session, led by a
parent or a professional, families have the
opportunity to see and hear a few verses
of the story from its Biblical source. After
hearing about the story, they reconnect
with the text in the Torah itself and use
the parasha as a jumping-off point for
their own midrashim they are encouraged
to create at home.
Winter/Spring 2012
Exploring Judaism
through the Arts
Making Religion More Accessible with Painting, Music and Literature
According to Jewish history, the sound of
learned how to perform the traditional
a shofar accompanied God’s gift of the
sequence of solemn notes sounded on
Torah to the ancient Hebrews as they
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the
desert. The shofar’s soulful music is just
Art to Heart
one example of how the arts and
From King David onward, Jews have
Judaism co-exist.
expressed themselves through poetry,
Through song, sculpture, composing
painting and music. In 2006, Bais
and crafting, Judaism can be better
Abraham congregation spent a year
understood by every generation.
focused on this premise, using
Hands-on art projects can
art as a vehicle for making
bridge the gap between
stronger connections
learning Torah and
with their faith. Made
truly understanding
possible through
its meaning. This
a grant from
idea has enhanced
the Gladys K.
the substance
Crown Foundation
of much of the
honoring the memory
programming in
of Shirlee Green, the
congregations and
intergenerational series
Jewish organizations
of workshops that ensued
throughout the
were called “Sensing
Families participate in a reflective Judaism” and were meant
St. Louis area. For
pre-High Holiday clay workshop
example, in preparation for
to educate and inspire both
at Bais Abraham congregation.
the Jewish New Year this
those who were familiar
past September, children
with Torah study, as well as those who
and their families carved and
were less informed.
drilled their very own ram’s horn
Bais Abraham Rabbi Hyim Shafner,
to create a shofar at Chabad of
who planned the workshops, brought
Chesterfield’s “Shofar Factory.” When
in Arts & Judaism expert Rabbi Chaim
the horns were complete, participants
(continued inside)
Inside this Issue
Central Agency for Jewish Education
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
Doorposts is made possible through a grant from the Gladys K. Crown Foundation honoring the memory of Shirlee Green and a matching grant from the
Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Rich Fund. For additional copies of Doorposts, or to add your name to the mailing list, call Joan Wolchansky, 314-432-0020,
or email [email protected] Project Director: Joan Wolchansky Editor: Rosanne Tolin Design: 501creative
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
Interactions: Programs that Work • Crafting Tradition
Interactions: Programs that Work
For more than 5,000 years, the Jewish family has perpetuated our traditions. And in recent years,
synagogues and temples have made Jewish family education a priority. Each issue of Doorposts
features family education programs that have successfully promoted intergenerational
interactions in the St. Louis community
Mezuzah Mitzvah: The University City
Shul received a Crown Grant in 2010
to implement its “Mezuzah Making”
program. This fun arts and crafts
session, led by artist Batya Rich, helped
parents and children alike learn about
the significance of the mezuzah. The
experience was made even more
significant as families kept one
handmade mezuzah, and gave
another as a gift to elderly
community members at The
Crown Center, the JCA or
Covenant House. So a fun,
interactive afternoon turned
into a true mitzvah
project! For more
information,
contact Rabbi
Menachem Tendler,
rabbitendler@
ucityshul.org.
The Write Kind of Family Time: In October,
BSKI launched a family reading
and writing program. It’s a multigenerational effort supported by a
Crown Grant; grandparent volunteers
read to the children and encourage
families to use their new library and
participate in the program.
The BSKI program facilitator is
published poet Ann Lesley Rosen,
who also serves as the Tot Shabbat
service leader.
According to Synagogue
Administrator Paula Hamvas, the
monthly themes allow the family
members to discuss spirituality and
tradition. “We hope these discussions
of Jewish books and the creative
writing that follows, in which kids
make their own family story books,
will have a lasting impact,” she says.
Sessions are geared to both preschoolers
and older kids. For more information,
contact Paula Hamvas, [email protected].
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
(continued from front cover)
Brovendar of Israel to kick off the project.
“He has done a lot of writing about
Judaism and the arts, not just as a way of
understanding its historic importance, but
also of understanding the actual value art
itself has in Judaism,” says Shafner.
According to Shafner, the arts can speak
to people of all ages, providing a great
platform for families to learn together. Bais
Abraham’s elaborately planned workshops
were carried out over the course of a year
and involved congregants of all ages. Artists
in residence helped lead the sessions.
For instance, sculptor Nadine Cohen led a
large 50-participant clay workshop in which
congregants shaped forms meant to represent
basic tenets of the High Holidays. “We did
a meditation first and people talked about
change and how it relates to Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur,” Shafner recalls.
Cohen first spoke about “t’shuvah”
(repentance), and congregants
then created a clay piece of
their own to display
their process of
self-examination.
In the fall, Oshra
Koren of Israel taught
about the nature of
artistic vision and
diversity within Jewish
thought. The synagogue’s
second arts weekend also
included a lecture by Rabbi Shafner on
“Light and Color in the Jewish Tradition”
as well as a Sunday workshop in color and
collage by his mother, Janet Shafner, of
blessed memory, a well-known artist. Her
workshop, titled “The Magic of Color,”
related the ideas of Kabbalah and Jewish
mysticism, and examined the reasons why
colors have an impact on us emotionally.
The workshop also explored the symbolism
of color in Jewish ritual. Congregants
then created a personal collage to express
their spirituality.
Even after the conclusion of the
12-month journey through the arts, Rabbi
Shafner continues to hold presentations on
examining the ties between Jewish art
and Torah.
Like Bais Abraham, in 2008, United
Hebrew focused its programming efforts,
funded by a Crown Grant, around the theme
of Jewish and Israeli cultural arts. Religious
school teachers integrated the theme of
“Torah Alive” as much as possible throughout
the school year, according to former UH
family educator, Rachel Persellin-Armoza.
The 5th and 6th grades studied Jewish
and Israeli art and artists. UH created its
own art gallery and prepared their own
“docents,” and participants enjoyed
multi-media activities — all on site.
Teachers prepped ahead of time and helped
facilitate the day’s programming. Together
with their students and their families, they
toured the halls of United Hebrew and
observed the art that is an important
part of the temple, such as hand
painted murals, beautiful
stained glass windows,
ritual treasures and
personal art pieces in
the sanctuary. Families
also explored special
“Museum Galleries” set
up at the temple and
learned about different
symbols, messages and
styles prevalent with these
artists. These included the works
of Jewish artists from the United States,
Israel and Europe. During religious school
the week following this activity, students
created beautiful art pieces inspired by the
program. Following its conclusion, these
pieces were displayed throughout the
synagogue for several weeks.
Faith Based Fun
As part of the artful year,
sixth-grade UH B’nai Mitzvah students
made their own tallitot. Thanks to Crown
Grant funding, a large group of families
could participate. The resulting program
included nearly 50 parent/student teams,
each creating their own unique prayer
shawls. In addition to the keepsake tallit,
families also received handouts with
explanations on the mitzvah of tying
tzitzit. A special moment occurred
when one of the past Tallit
Workshop participants
brought in her parents
and her tallit, and
shared her Bat
Mitzvah experience
and what inspired the
designs she chose
for her tallit. In
another workshop
led by Rabbi Brigitte
Rosenberg, younger children
created “Shema” pillows in which they
designed their own pillows adorned
with the ritual bedtime prayer.
Likewise, Rabbi Levi Landa of the
St. Louis Chabad says many of their
programs are craft based. “This past
December was our fourth year of a
pre-Hanukkah menorah workshop at
Home Depot,” he says. The company
sponsors supplies, and Chabad puts
together the program. “Last year we
prepared for 350 kids and ran out
of supplies!”
He describes the menorah making
as simple and open-ended. The
candle holders are made of wood
and glue and then decorated with
a variety of materials — sequins, tiles,
and paint to name a few. “Each
family has one to take home, and it is
meaningful to them when they use it.”
Chabad has a series of craft based
workshops, from shofar making to
another highly popular session, the
Matzah Bakery. “There’s nothing that
compares to rolling up your sleeves
and getting involved. This isn’t just
for kids. There’s something about
working with your hands that makes
learning come alive,” says Landa.
He points out that hands-on projects
make more lasting impressions than
lessons in a classroom setting.
“Families always tell me they talk
about their matzah making at the
seder table. Our goal is to demystify
ritual objects we use in Judaism, and
have fun while doing it.”
At congregation Neve Shalom
in St. Louis, congregants
began making a mosaic
table as part of a
project on neglected
Jewish arts. They
started by illustrating
either an event or
custom in the Jewish
year in the form of a
decorative motif. Then
they selected colors and
arranged tiles, much like artists
did in ancient synagogues.
“We were encouraged by the children
who dove right into the project. We
talked about the remarkable Jewish
imagination reflected in the ancient
mosaics,” says Neve Shalom Rabbi
James Goodman.
To start, congregants learned about
three ancient synagogues featuring
art that served as research examples
for the project. Once they finished
the preliminary study, congregants
did a practice piece, working with
images created through study of the
imagery of several important sites of
ancient mosaics.
Everyone participated in analyzing
the classic pieces, then made their own.
They drew them first, and then worked
to make samplers using cut tiles placed
on squares of wood.
“We put the images up on the wall
and discussed them. Then with the help
of the more artistically gifted in the
group, attendees of all ages made their
own,” says Goodman. The individual
pieces were finally integrated into one
large creation. The large, community
mosaic will eventually adorn a table
top in the synagogue.
Goodman calls the mosaic project a
spectacular learning experience. “The
(resulting piece) includes images that
depict important dates covering the
(continued on back cover)
Crafting Tradition
Do-It-Together Projects that Make Connections
Twisted Apple Trees
Tzedakah Can
Here’s a super simple and very artsy
Rosh Hashanah or Tu B’Shevat tree
project to enjoy with young kids.
The great thing about this craft is
that the trees don’t need to look
perfect. Though this supply list calls
for construction paper, tissue paper
is another great idea for a more
abstract look.
Tzedakah, or charity, is collected and
given by Jewish people throughout the
year. Make the collection process more
exciting by giving the can a little pop
of color!
You’ll need:
• Two paper lunch bags
• Red paper
• Glue
• Scissors
How to:
On one bag,
cut ¾" strips
vertically from
the opening
down about half
way. Open the bag
so the bottom serves
as a base. Next, twist the
whole mid-section of the
bag for the trunk and then
twist together three strips to
form the branches. Next cut
red leaves or apples out of the
paper. Glue to the branches, and
admire your festive creation!
What’s New with
You?
You’ll need:
• Oatmeal canister, cocoa box or
coffee can with lid — emptied
and cleaned out
• Scissors
• Colored paper
• Double-sided tape
• Markers, crayons, stickers,
etc. for decorating
How to:
Cut a slit in the top of the plastic
lid (supervise children with this
part!) large enough for quarters to
fit through. Next, cut a piece
of paper that will fit
around the canister.
Decorate it with
markers, crayons,
stickers, etc.
using doublesided tape to
attach the paper
to the canister.
Place the lid on top
and start saving your
pennies for tzedakah!
What innovative family education programs
are taking place within your doorposts and
beyond your gates? Send us your success
stories, and we’ll publish as many as possible
in future issues of Doorposts.
Fax or email your success stories
to Joan Wolchansky.
fax: 314-432-6150
email: [email protected]
Exploring Judaism through the Arts (continued from inside story)
entire Jewish calendar. We transferred
this to the table mosaic, which we’re still
working to complete.”
“It was a very rich study,” he says.
Music and Drama with Meaning
For UH 8th- through 10th-grade
families participating in “Torah Alive,”
the artistic focus was on Jewish and
Israeli music, song and dance.
The temple’s educators looked at
ways that teen students could experience
song and dance in an interactive and
meaningful way with their parents. This
was a way for them to experience how the
performing arts are used to share different
experiences, emotions and messages.
A take-home CD of popular Israeli
songs was created for teens, some more
familiar and some with clear political and
social themes. Several links to sites with
translations of songs were included, as
well as information on the artists. One
additional medium used to connect with
teen families was a “Synaplex Shabbat.”
On these occasions, congregants had an
opportunity to sing along to some of the
CD songs with an Israeli song-leader, to
enjoy Israeli food, practice Krav Maga
and see an Israeli film. The excellent mix
of intergenerational activities appealed
to both older students and their parents.
Similarly, at the completion of its
“Sensing Judaism” project, Bais Abraham
held a “Kabbalat Shabbat” filled with
music and dancing. On Shabbat morning
the usual sermon was replaced by a
dramatic performance focusing on the
role of freedom in the exodus experience.
The Good Book
In October, Shaare Zedek
began a storytelling program called
“Kidrash” for elementary aged kids,
according to Hazzan Joanna Dulkin. The
new Shabbat morning program was the
recipient of a Crown Grant, and will be
a monthly Shabbat experience concurrent
with the Shabbat morning sanctuary service
and Tot Shabbat, for early elementary age
(K-3) children and families.
“Kidrash is designed for the growing
number of families who are aging out of
both our Rockin’ Tot Shabbat services and
the PJ Library program,” says Dulkin. “Our
SZ families have become accustomed to
a lively and musical Shabbat service,
along with the fabulous books sent to
them each month by PJ Library. Both
have provided a strong foundation for a
positive Jewish identity, and Kidrash is the
logical extension. It incorporates pieces of
the service with exposure to Torah stories
and midrashim, giving time for discussion,
reflection and connection.”
At Kidrash, families hear stories from
the Torah read by volunteers and told
by professional storytellers followed by
discussion. After each session of Kidrash,
families take home discussion questions
designed to spark a conversation.
“We hope to familiarize and deepen
families’ connection with Torah stories,
and to develop a comfort in talking about
these stories with their peers. Kidrash
also aims to introduce families to the
interpretive process, empowering them to
create their own stories and insights based
on the stories presented,” Dulkin says.
After each storytelling session, led by a
parent or a professional, families have the
opportunity to see and hear a few verses
of the story from its Biblical source. After
hearing about the story, they reconnect
with the text in the Torah itself and use
the parasha as a jumping-off point for
their own midrashim they are encouraged
to create at home.
Winter/Spring 2012
Exploring Judaism
through the Arts
Making Religion More Accessible with Painting, Music and Literature
According to Jewish history, the sound of
learned how to perform the traditional
a shofar accompanied God’s gift of the
sequence of solemn notes sounded on
Torah to the ancient Hebrews as they
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the
desert. The shofar’s soulful music is just
Art to Heart
one example of how the arts and
From King David onward, Jews have
Judaism co-exist.
expressed themselves through poetry,
Through song, sculpture, composing
painting and music. In 2006, Bais
and crafting, Judaism can be better
Abraham congregation spent a year
understood by every generation.
focused on this premise, using
Hands-on art projects can
art as a vehicle for making
bridge the gap between
stronger connections
learning Torah and
with their faith. Made
truly understanding
possible through
its meaning. This
a grant from
idea has enhanced
the Gladys K.
the substance
Crown Foundation
of much of the
honoring the memory
programming in
of Shirlee Green, the
congregations and
intergenerational series
Jewish organizations
of workshops that ensued
throughout the
were called “Sensing
Families participate in a reflective Judaism” and were meant
St. Louis area. For
pre-High Holiday clay workshop
example, in preparation for
to educate and inspire both
at Bais Abraham congregation.
the Jewish New Year this
those who were familiar
past September, children
with Torah study, as well as those who
and their families carved and
were less informed.
drilled their very own ram’s horn
Bais Abraham Rabbi Hyim Shafner,
to create a shofar at Chabad of
who planned the workshops, brought
Chesterfield’s “Shofar Factory.” When
in Arts & Judaism expert Rabbi Chaim
the horns were complete, participants
(continued inside)
Inside this Issue
Central Agency for Jewish Education
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
Doorposts is made possible through a grant from the Gladys K. Crown Foundation honoring the memory of Shirlee Green and a matching grant from the
Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Rich Fund. For additional copies of Doorposts, or to add your name to the mailing list, call Joan Wolchansky, 314-432-0020,
or email [email protected] Project Director: Joan Wolchansky Editor: Rosanne Tolin Design: 501creative
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
Interactions: Programs that Work • Crafting Tradition
Interactions: Programs that Work
For more than 5,000 years, the Jewish family has perpetuated our traditions. And in recent years,
synagogues and temples have made Jewish family education a priority. Each issue of Doorposts
features family education programs that have successfully promoted intergenerational
interactions in the St. Louis community
Mezuzah Mitzvah: The University City
Shul received a Crown Grant in 2010
to implement its “Mezuzah Making”
program. This fun arts and crafts
session, led by artist Batya Rich, helped
parents and children alike learn about
the significance of the mezuzah. The
experience was made even more
significant as families kept one
handmade mezuzah, and gave
another as a gift to elderly
community members at The
Crown Center, the JCA or
Covenant House. So a fun,
interactive afternoon turned
into a true mitzvah
project! For more
information,
contact Rabbi
Menachem Tendler,
rabbitendler@
ucityshul.org.
The Write Kind of Family Time: In October,
BSKI launched a family reading
and writing program. It’s a multigenerational effort supported by a
Crown Grant; grandparent volunteers
read to the children and encourage
families to use their new library and
participate in the program.
The BSKI program facilitator is
published poet Ann Lesley Rosen,
who also serves as the Tot Shabbat
service leader.
According to Synagogue
Administrator Paula Hamvas, the
monthly themes allow the family
members to discuss spirituality and
tradition. “We hope these discussions
of Jewish books and the creative
writing that follows, in which kids
make their own family story books,
will have a lasting impact,” she says.
Sessions are geared to both preschoolers
and older kids. For more information,
contact Paula Hamvas, [email protected].
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
(continued from front cover)
Brovendar of Israel to kick off the project.
“He has done a lot of writing about
Judaism and the arts, not just as a way of
understanding its historic importance, but
also of understanding the actual value art
itself has in Judaism,” says Shafner.
According to Shafner, the arts can speak
to people of all ages, providing a great
platform for families to learn together. Bais
Abraham’s elaborately planned workshops
were carried out over the course of a year
and involved congregants of all ages. Artists
in residence helped lead the sessions.
For instance, sculptor Nadine Cohen led a
large 50-participant clay workshop in which
congregants shaped forms meant to represent
basic tenets of the High Holidays. “We did
a meditation first and people talked about
change and how it relates to Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur,” Shafner recalls.
Cohen first spoke about “t’shuvah”
(repentance), and congregants
then created a clay piece of
their own to display
their process of
self-examination.
In the fall, Oshra
Koren of Israel taught
about the nature of
artistic vision and
diversity within Jewish
thought. The synagogue’s
second arts weekend also
included a lecture by Rabbi Shafner on
“Light and Color in the Jewish Tradition”
as well as a Sunday workshop in color and
collage by his mother, Janet Shafner, of
blessed memory, a well-known artist. Her
workshop, titled “The Magic of Color,”
related the ideas of Kabbalah and Jewish
mysticism, and examined the reasons why
colors have an impact on us emotionally.
The workshop also explored the symbolism
of color in Jewish ritual. Congregants
then created a personal collage to express
their spirituality.
Even after the conclusion of the
12-month journey through the arts, Rabbi
Shafner continues to hold presentations on
examining the ties between Jewish art
and Torah.
Like Bais Abraham, in 2008, United
Hebrew focused its programming efforts,
funded by a Crown Grant, around the theme
of Jewish and Israeli cultural arts. Religious
school teachers integrated the theme of
“Torah Alive” as much as possible throughout
the school year, according to former UH
family educator, Rachel Persellin-Armoza.
The 5th and 6th grades studied Jewish
and Israeli art and artists. UH created its
own art gallery and prepared their own
“docents,” and participants enjoyed
multi-media activities — all on site.
Teachers prepped ahead of time and helped
facilitate the day’s programming. Together
with their students and their families, they
toured the halls of United Hebrew and
observed the art that is an important
part of the temple, such as hand
painted murals, beautiful
stained glass windows,
ritual treasures and
personal art pieces in
the sanctuary. Families
also explored special
“Museum Galleries” set
up at the temple and
learned about different
symbols, messages and
styles prevalent with these
artists. These included the works
of Jewish artists from the United States,
Israel and Europe. During religious school
the week following this activity, students
created beautiful art pieces inspired by the
program. Following its conclusion, these
pieces were displayed throughout the
synagogue for several weeks.
Faith Based Fun
As part of the artful year,
sixth-grade UH B’nai Mitzvah students
made their own tallitot. Thanks to Crown
Grant funding, a large group of families
could participate. The resulting program
included nearly 50 parent/student teams,
each creating their own unique prayer
shawls. In addition to the keepsake tallit,
families also received handouts with
explanations on the mitzvah of tying
tzitzit. A special moment occurred
when one of the past Tallit
Workshop participants
brought in her parents
and her tallit, and
shared her Bat
Mitzvah experience
and what inspired the
designs she chose
for her tallit. In
another workshop
led by Rabbi Brigitte
Rosenberg, younger children
created “Shema” pillows in which they
designed their own pillows adorned
with the ritual bedtime prayer.
Likewise, Rabbi Levi Landa of the
St. Louis Chabad says many of their
programs are craft based. “This past
December was our fourth year of a
pre-Hanukkah menorah workshop at
Home Depot,” he says. The company
sponsors supplies, and Chabad puts
together the program. “Last year we
prepared for 350 kids and ran out
of supplies!”
He describes the menorah making
as simple and open-ended. The
candle holders are made of wood
and glue and then decorated with
a variety of materials — sequins, tiles,
and paint to name a few. “Each
family has one to take home, and it is
meaningful to them when they use it.”
Chabad has a series of craft based
workshops, from shofar making to
another highly popular session, the
Matzah Bakery. “There’s nothing that
compares to rolling up your sleeves
and getting involved. This isn’t just
for kids. There’s something about
working with your hands that makes
learning come alive,” says Landa.
He points out that hands-on projects
make more lasting impressions than
lessons in a classroom setting.
“Families always tell me they talk
about their matzah making at the
seder table. Our goal is to demystify
ritual objects we use in Judaism, and
have fun while doing it.”
At congregation Neve Shalom
in St. Louis, congregants
began making a mosaic
table as part of a
project on neglected
Jewish arts. They
started by illustrating
either an event or
custom in the Jewish
year in the form of a
decorative motif. Then
they selected colors and
arranged tiles, much like artists
did in ancient synagogues.
“We were encouraged by the children
who dove right into the project. We
talked about the remarkable Jewish
imagination reflected in the ancient
mosaics,” says Neve Shalom Rabbi
James Goodman.
To start, congregants learned about
three ancient synagogues featuring
art that served as research examples
for the project. Once they finished
the preliminary study, congregants
did a practice piece, working with
images created through study of the
imagery of several important sites of
ancient mosaics.
Everyone participated in analyzing
the classic pieces, then made their own.
They drew them first, and then worked
to make samplers using cut tiles placed
on squares of wood.
“We put the images up on the wall
and discussed them. Then with the help
of the more artistically gifted in the
group, attendees of all ages made their
own,” says Goodman. The individual
pieces were finally integrated into one
large creation. The large, community
mosaic will eventually adorn a table
top in the synagogue.
Goodman calls the mosaic project a
spectacular learning experience. “The
(resulting piece) includes images that
depict important dates covering the
(continued on back cover)
Interactions: Programs that Work
For more than 5,000 years, the Jewish family has perpetuated our traditions. And in recent years,
synagogues and temples have made Jewish family education a priority. Each issue of Doorposts
features family education programs that have successfully promoted intergenerational
interactions in the St. Louis community
Mezuzah Mitzvah: The University City
Shul received a Crown Grant in 2010
to implement its “Mezuzah Making”
program. This fun arts and crafts
session, led by artist Batya Rich, helped
parents and children alike learn about
the significance of the mezuzah. The
experience was made even more
significant as families kept one
handmade mezuzah, and gave
another as a gift to elderly
community members at The
Crown Center, the JCA or
Covenant House. So a fun,
interactive afternoon turned
into a true mitzvah
project! For more
information,
contact Rabbi
Menachem Tendler,
rabbitendler@
ucityshul.org.
The Write Kind of Family Time: In October,
BSKI launched a family reading
and writing program. It’s a multigenerational effort supported by a
Crown Grant; grandparent volunteers
read to the children and encourage
families to use their new library and
participate in the program.
The BSKI program facilitator is
published poet Ann Lesley Rosen,
who also serves as the Tot Shabbat
service leader.
According to Synagogue
Administrator Paula Hamvas, the
monthly themes allow the family
members to discuss spirituality and
tradition. “We hope these discussions
of Jewish books and the creative
writing that follows, in which kids
make their own family story books,
will have a lasting impact,” she says.
Sessions are geared to both preschoolers
and older kids. For more information,
contact Paula Hamvas, [email protected].
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
(continued from front cover)
Brovendar of Israel to kick off the project.
“He has done a lot of writing about
Judaism and the arts, not just as a way of
understanding its historic importance, but
also of understanding the actual value art
itself has in Judaism,” says Shafner.
According to Shafner, the arts can speak
to people of all ages, providing a great
platform for families to learn together. Bais
Abraham’s elaborately planned workshops
were carried out over the course of a year
and involved congregants of all ages. Artists
in residence helped lead the sessions.
For instance, sculptor Nadine Cohen led a
large 50-participant clay workshop in which
congregants shaped forms meant to represent
basic tenets of the High Holidays. “We did
a meditation first and people talked about
change and how it relates to Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur,” Shafner recalls.
Cohen first spoke about “t’shuvah”
(repentance), and congregants
then created a clay piece of
their own to display
their process of
self-examination.
In the fall, Oshra
Koren of Israel taught
about the nature of
artistic vision and
diversity within Jewish
thought. The synagogue’s
second arts weekend also
included a lecture by Rabbi Shafner on
“Light and Color in the Jewish Tradition”
as well as a Sunday workshop in color and
collage by his mother, Janet Shafner, of
blessed memory, a well-known artist. Her
workshop, titled “The Magic of Color,”
related the ideas of Kabbalah and Jewish
mysticism, and examined the reasons why
colors have an impact on us emotionally.
The workshop also explored the symbolism
of color in Jewish ritual. Congregants
then created a personal collage to express
their spirituality.
Even after the conclusion of the
12-month journey through the arts, Rabbi
Shafner continues to hold presentations on
examining the ties between Jewish art
and Torah.
Like Bais Abraham, in 2008, United
Hebrew focused its programming efforts,
funded by a Crown Grant, around the theme
of Jewish and Israeli cultural arts. Religious
school teachers integrated the theme of
“Torah Alive” as much as possible throughout
the school year, according to former UH
family educator, Rachel Persellin-Armoza.
The 5th and 6th grades studied Jewish
and Israeli art and artists. UH created its
own art gallery and prepared their own
“docents,” and participants enjoyed
multi-media activities — all on site.
Teachers prepped ahead of time and helped
facilitate the day’s programming. Together
with their students and their families, they
toured the halls of United Hebrew and
observed the art that is an important
part of the temple, such as hand
painted murals, beautiful
stained glass windows,
ritual treasures and
personal art pieces in
the sanctuary. Families
also explored special
“Museum Galleries” set
up at the temple and
learned about different
symbols, messages and
styles prevalent with these
artists. These included the works
of Jewish artists from the United States,
Israel and Europe. During religious school
the week following this activity, students
created beautiful art pieces inspired by the
program. Following its conclusion, these
pieces were displayed throughout the
synagogue for several weeks.
Faith Based Fun
As part of the artful year,
sixth-grade UH B’nai Mitzvah students
made their own tallitot. Thanks to Crown
Grant funding, a large group of families
could participate. The resulting program
included nearly 50 parent/student teams,
each creating their own unique prayer
shawls. In addition to the keepsake tallit,
families also received handouts with
explanations on the mitzvah of tying
tzitzit. A special moment occurred
when one of the past Tallit
Workshop participants
brought in her parents
and her tallit, and
shared her Bat
Mitzvah experience
and what inspired the
designs she chose
for her tallit. In
another workshop
led by Rabbi Brigitte
Rosenberg, younger children
created “Shema” pillows in which they
designed their own pillows adorned
with the ritual bedtime prayer.
Likewise, Rabbi Levi Landa of the
St. Louis Chabad says many of their
programs are craft based. “This past
December was our fourth year of a
pre-Hanukkah menorah workshop at
Home Depot,” he says. The company
sponsors supplies, and Chabad puts
together the program. “Last year we
prepared for 350 kids and ran out
of supplies!”
He describes the menorah making
as simple and open-ended. The
candle holders are made of wood
and glue and then decorated with
a variety of materials — sequins, tiles,
and paint to name a few. “Each
family has one to take home, and it is
meaningful to them when they use it.”
Chabad has a series of craft based
workshops, from shofar making to
another highly popular session, the
Matzah Bakery. “There’s nothing that
compares to rolling up your sleeves
and getting involved. This isn’t just
for kids. There’s something about
working with your hands that makes
learning come alive,” says Landa.
He points out that hands-on projects
make more lasting impressions than
lessons in a classroom setting.
“Families always tell me they talk
about their matzah making at the
seder table. Our goal is to demystify
ritual objects we use in Judaism, and
have fun while doing it.”
At congregation Neve Shalom
in St. Louis, congregants
began making a mosaic
table as part of a
project on neglected
Jewish arts. They
started by illustrating
either an event or
custom in the Jewish
year in the form of a
decorative motif. Then
they selected colors and
arranged tiles, much like artists
did in ancient synagogues.
“We were encouraged by the children
who dove right into the project. We
talked about the remarkable Jewish
imagination reflected in the ancient
mosaics,” says Neve Shalom Rabbi
James Goodman.
To start, congregants learned about
three ancient synagogues featuring
art that served as research examples
for the project. Once they finished
the preliminary study, congregants
did a practice piece, working with
images created through study of the
imagery of several important sites of
ancient mosaics.
Everyone participated in analyzing
the classic pieces, then made their own.
They drew them first, and then worked
to make samplers using cut tiles placed
on squares of wood.
“We put the images up on the wall
and discussed them. Then with the help
of the more artistically gifted in the
group, attendees of all ages made their
own,” says Goodman. The individual
pieces were finally integrated into one
large creation. The large, community
mosaic will eventually adorn a table
top in the synagogue.
Goodman calls the mosaic project a
spectacular learning experience. “The
(resulting piece) includes images that
depict important dates covering the
(continued on back cover)
Crafting Tradition
Do-It-Together Projects that Make Connections
Twisted Apple Trees
Tzedakah Can
Here’s a super simple and very artsy
Rosh Hashanah or Tu B’Shevat tree
project to enjoy with young kids.
The great thing about this craft is
that the trees don’t need to look
perfect. Though this supply list calls
for construction paper, tissue paper
is another great idea for a more
abstract look.
Tzedakah, or charity, is collected and
given by Jewish people throughout the
year. Make the collection process more
exciting by giving the can a little pop
of color!
You’ll need:
• Two paper lunch bags
• Red paper
• Glue
• Scissors
How to:
On one bag,
cut ¾" strips
vertically from
the opening
down about half
way. Open the bag
so the bottom serves
as a base. Next, twist the
whole mid-section of the
bag for the trunk and then
twist together three strips to
form the branches. Next cut
red leaves or apples out of the
paper. Glue to the branches, and
admire your festive creation!
What’s New with
You?
You’ll need:
• Oatmeal canister, cocoa box or
coffee can with lid — emptied
and cleaned out
• Scissors
• Colored paper
• Double-sided tape
• Markers, crayons, stickers,
etc. for decorating
How to:
Cut a slit in the top of the plastic
lid (supervise children with this
part!) large enough for quarters to
fit through. Next, cut a piece
of paper that will fit
around the canister.
Decorate it with
markers, crayons,
stickers, etc.
using doublesided tape to
attach the paper
to the canister.
Place the lid on top
and start saving your
pennies for tzedakah!
What innovative family education programs
are taking place within your doorposts and
beyond your gates? Send us your success
stories, and we’ll publish as many as possible
in future issues of Doorposts.
Fax or email your success stories
to Joan Wolchansky.
fax: 314-432-6150
email: [email protected]
Exploring Judaism through the Arts (continued from inside story)
entire Jewish calendar. We transferred
this to the table mosaic, which we’re still
working to complete.”
“It was a very rich study,” he says.
Music and Drama with Meaning
For UH 8th- through 10th-grade
families participating in “Torah Alive,”
the artistic focus was on Jewish and
Israeli music, song and dance.
The temple’s educators looked at
ways that teen students could experience
song and dance in an interactive and
meaningful way with their parents. This
was a way for them to experience how the
performing arts are used to share different
experiences, emotions and messages.
A take-home CD of popular Israeli
songs was created for teens, some more
familiar and some with clear political and
social themes. Several links to sites with
translations of songs were included, as
well as information on the artists. One
additional medium used to connect with
teen families was a “Synaplex Shabbat.”
On these occasions, congregants had an
opportunity to sing along to some of the
CD songs with an Israeli song-leader, to
enjoy Israeli food, practice Krav Maga
and see an Israeli film. The excellent mix
of intergenerational activities appealed
to both older students and their parents.
Similarly, at the completion of its
“Sensing Judaism” project, Bais Abraham
held a “Kabbalat Shabbat” filled with
music and dancing. On Shabbat morning
the usual sermon was replaced by a
dramatic performance focusing on the
role of freedom in the exodus experience.
The Good Book
In October, Shaare Zedek
began a storytelling program called
“Kidrash” for elementary aged kids,
according to Hazzan Joanna Dulkin. The
new Shabbat morning program was the
recipient of a Crown Grant, and will be
a monthly Shabbat experience concurrent
with the Shabbat morning sanctuary service
and Tot Shabbat, for early elementary age
(K-3) children and families.
“Kidrash is designed for the growing
number of families who are aging out of
both our Rockin’ Tot Shabbat services and
the PJ Library program,” says Dulkin. “Our
SZ families have become accustomed to
a lively and musical Shabbat service,
along with the fabulous books sent to
them each month by PJ Library. Both
have provided a strong foundation for a
positive Jewish identity, and Kidrash is the
logical extension. It incorporates pieces of
the service with exposure to Torah stories
and midrashim, giving time for discussion,
reflection and connection.”
At Kidrash, families hear stories from
the Torah read by volunteers and told
by professional storytellers followed by
discussion. After each session of Kidrash,
families take home discussion questions
designed to spark a conversation.
“We hope to familiarize and deepen
families’ connection with Torah stories,
and to develop a comfort in talking about
these stories with their peers. Kidrash
also aims to introduce families to the
interpretive process, empowering them to
create their own stories and insights based
on the stories presented,” Dulkin says.
After each storytelling session, led by a
parent or a professional, families have the
opportunity to see and hear a few verses
of the story from its Biblical source. After
hearing about the story, they reconnect
with the text in the Torah itself and use
the parasha as a jumping-off point for
their own midrashim they are encouraged
to create at home.
Winter/Spring 2012
Exploring Judaism
through the Arts
Making Religion More Accessible with Painting, Music and Literature
According to Jewish history, the sound of
learned how to perform the traditional
a shofar accompanied God’s gift of the
sequence of solemn notes sounded on
Torah to the ancient Hebrews as they
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
stood at the foot of Mount Sinai in the
desert. The shofar’s soulful music is just
Art to Heart
one example of how the arts and
From King David onward, Jews have
Judaism co-exist.
expressed themselves through poetry,
Through song, sculpture, composing
painting and music. In 2006, Bais
and crafting, Judaism can be better
Abraham congregation spent a year
understood by every generation.
focused on this premise, using
Hands-on art projects can
art as a vehicle for making
bridge the gap between
stronger connections
learning Torah and
with their faith. Made
truly understanding
possible through
its meaning. This
a grant from
idea has enhanced
the Gladys K.
the substance
Crown Foundation
of much of the
honoring the memory
programming in
of Shirlee Green, the
congregations and
intergenerational series
Jewish organizations
of workshops that ensued
throughout the
were called “Sensing
Families participate in a reflective Judaism” and were meant
St. Louis area. For
pre-High Holiday clay workshop
example, in preparation for
to educate and inspire both
at Bais Abraham congregation.
the Jewish New Year this
those who were familiar
past September, children
with Torah study, as well as those who
and their families carved and
were less informed.
drilled their very own ram’s horn
Bais Abraham Rabbi Hyim Shafner,
to create a shofar at Chabad of
who planned the workshops, brought
Chesterfield’s “Shofar Factory.” When
in Arts & Judaism expert Rabbi Chaim
the horns were complete, participants
(continued inside)
Inside this Issue
Central Agency for Jewish Education
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
Doorposts is made possible through a grant from the Gladys K. Crown Foundation honoring the memory of Shirlee Green and a matching grant from the
Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Rich Fund. For additional copies of Doorposts, or to add your name to the mailing list, call Joan Wolchansky, 314-432-0020,
or email [email protected] Project Director: Joan Wolchansky Editor: Rosanne Tolin Design: 501creative
Exploring Judaism through the Arts
Interactions: Programs that Work • Crafting Tradition